Jak kvalitní je svár nebo povrchová úprava mého nebo dodaného výrobku? Vznikl defekt chybným zacházením, nebo měl výrobek skrytou vadu materiálu? To jsou příklady otázek, které velmi rychle dokáže vyřešit tým univerzitního výzkumného ústavu CXI TUL. Pomoc při řešení konkrétních problémů ve výrobě, konzultace, analýzy a další služby špičkového vědeckého pracoviště za minimální náklady nabízí nyní firmám díky projektu SUPPORT4SME. Nabídka se týká malých a středních firem do 250 zaměstnanců z Libereckého, Ústeckého a Karlovarského kraje a také ze Saska.<h4>Podnik hradí pouze DPH</h4>„Řada menších firem má dobrý nápad nebo konkrétní technický problém, ale chybí jim přístup k potřebnému vybavení, expertům nebo laboratorním analýzám. Právě v tom jim může projekt SUPPORT4SME výrazně pomoci. Chceme, aby firmy věděly, že se na nás mohou obrátit i s velmi praktickými problémy z každodenní výroby nebo vývoje,“ říká řešitel projektu Adam Blažek z Ústavu pro nanomateriály, pokročilé technologie a inovace Technické univerzity v Liberci.&nbsp;Službu na míru si mohou firmy zadat na <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://support4sme.cxi.tul.cz/">online platformě projektu</a>. Pokud splní podmínky programu, hradí pouze DPH z reálné ceny služby. Investice do výzkumu tak pro malé a střední podniky přestává být významnou finanční překážkou.<h4>Analýza jako opora pro soudní spor</h4>Podporu projektu využila například stavební firma Tembo brand, která řešila prasklou hřídel čelního kloubového nakladače. Potřebovala zjistit, zda je příčinou chyba obsluhy, nebo vada samotného výrobku. Obrátila se proto na CXI.Detailní analýzy potvrdily výrobní vadu materiálu a staly se součástí oficiálního znaleckého posudku pro soudní řízení. Pro podobné případy má univerzita k dispozici elektronový mikroskop Helios 5 PFIB CXe, který umožňuje velmi podrobně zkoumat kvalitu materiálů, povrchové úpravy, slitiny, svary i další defekty. Mikroskop za více jak 45 milionů korun je unikátní tím, že vědci s ním mohou provádět i mikroskopické „řezy“ do zkoumaného materiálu a díky celé škále detektorů provádět komplexní fyzikální i chemickou analýzu složení vzorku.Firmě odborná analýza přinesla nejen vysvětlení příčiny problému, ale také silný podklad pro reklamaci a další právní kroky. „Buď bych tento stroj musel finančně náročně opravit, nebo bych s ním jezdil dál, což by pochopitelně představovalo bezpečnostní riziko nejen pro mě. Reklamaci teď máme prokázanou, dodavatel nám dodal zmetek a zřejmě se budeme soudit,“ popisuje Jakub Ševčík z firmy Tembo brand.<blockquote>Video: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5WXnKT2_tE&amp;t=2s">Špičkový mikroskop Helios pomáhá malým a středním firmám&nbsp;</a></blockquote><h4>Pomoc při vývoji běžkařských vosků</h4>Projekt SUPPORT4SME pomohl také firmě Titan Gliders, která na TUL našla odborné zázemí pro vývoj běžkařských vosků. Pomocí moderních analytických metod vědci zkoumají vlastní syntetizované přísady i konkurenční komerční vosky, a firma tak získává důležitá data pro další vývoj.&nbsp;„Spolupráce s CXI TUL se nám vyplatila jednoznačně. Víme přesně, kam napřít síly, bez takového zázemí bychom se jen těžko obešli. Navíc jsme díky tomu získali podporu českého biatlonu, Českého olympijského výboru i Libereckého kraje. Pro firmu, která začínala od nuly a byla financována z vlastních zdrojů, to má zásadní význam,“ říká Petr Tischer ze společnosti Titan Gliders.&nbsp;<h4>Pomoc, která firmám šetří peníze</h4>Projekt SUPPORT4SME nabízí tyto služby a množství dalších, také konzultace odbornic a odborníků, kteří disponují špičkovým laboratorním vybavením, a pomoc při řešení konkrétních technologických a materiálových problémů. Za cíl si klade podpořit v česko-saském regionu více než 130 podniků, zatím tyto služby využilo necelých třicet podniků.„Nejde jen o podporu velkých inovačních projektů. Často stačí vyřešit jeden konkrétní problém, ověřit vlastnosti materiálu nebo získat odborný pohled na technologický postup. I taková pomoc může firmě ušetřit čas, peníze a otevřít cestu k dalšímu rozvoji. Zástupci firem mnohdy ani netuší, že tu jsme a s&nbsp;čím vším jim můžeme pomoci. Přitom u nás mají k&nbsp;dispozici nejnovější přístrojové vybavení za naprosto zanedbatelné ceny. Ať firmy neváhají a obrátí se na nás s&nbsp;konkrétními dotazy, které je trápí nebo zajímají, “ uzavírá Adam Blažek.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CXI_TUL_Firmy_mohou_ziskat_pomoc_spickovych_odborniku_z_TUL_za_hubicku_5ceaee370e.jpg" alt="CXI TUL: Firmy mohou získat pomoc špičkových odborníků z TUL „za hubičku“" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CXI_TUL_Firmy_mohou_ziskat_pomoc_spickovych_odborniku_z_TUL_za_hubicku_5ceaee370e.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="683"><h3>SUPPORT4SME</h3>Projekt propojuje malé a střední podniky z Libereckého, Ústeckého a Karlovarského kraje a ze Saska s aplikovaným výzkumem. Technická univerzita v Liberci jej realizuje ve spolupráci s Technickou univerzitou v Chemnitz v rámci programu Interreg Česko–Sasko 2021–2027. Firmy díky němu mohou využít odborné služby aplikovaného výzkumu, individuální konzultace a analýzy i workshopy a školení. Projekt jim otevírá přístup k mezioborové síti expertů a špičkovému výzkumnému zázemí, které mohou využít při zavádění inovací do praxe.<blockquote>Support4sme: Přeshraniční podpora zapojení malých a středních podniků do materiálového výzkumu budoucnosti.Cíl: Společné centrum přeshraniční spolupráce TU Liberec a TU Chemnitz podporuje a implementuje inovace do malých a středních podniků v regionu Česko – Sasko. SUPPORT4SME nabízí mezioborovou síť expertů, kteří vám pomohou s rozvojem vaší firmy.Finanční podpora EU (EFRR): 2.442.017,81 €Leadpartner: CXI TULPartner: Technická univerzita v&nbsp;ChemnitzMgr. Adam Blažek, MBA – řešitel <a href="mailto:adam.blazek@tul.cz">adam.blazek@tul.cz</a> +420 730 595&nbsp;011</blockquote><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CXI_TUL_Firmy_mohou_ziskat_pomoc_spickovych_odborniku_z_TUL_za_hubicku_2_6cbc5d3425.jpg" alt="CXI TUL: Firmy mohou získat pomoc špičkových odborníků z TUL „za hubičku“" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CXI_TUL_Firmy_mohou_ziskat_pomoc_spickovych_odborniku_z_TUL_za_hubicku_2_6cbc5d3425.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="683">

Firmy mohou získat pomoc špičkových odborníků z TUL „za hubičku“

Zveme Vás na odborný seminář zaměřený na aktuální témata v oblasti bezpečnosti potravin, obalových materiálů a moderních analytických metod. Seminář se uskuteční ve čtvrtek 21. května od 10. hodin v SPACES Parkview, Pujmanové 1753/10a, 140 00 Praha 4.<h3>Registrace</h3><blockquote>Registrujte se prosím e-mailem na: <a href="mailto:Irena_Lofflerova@waters.com">Irena_Lofflerova@waters.com</a><ul><li>Kapacita semináře je omezena.&nbsp;</li><li>Seminář je bezplatný.&nbsp;</li></ul></blockquote><h3>Program</h3><h5>10:00 – 10:20 Zahájení semináře a úvod</h5><ul><li>Waters</li></ul><h5>10:20 – 10:50 Komplexní pohled na PFAS v bezpečnosti potravin: výskyt, zdroje a regulace</h5><ul><li>Darina Dvořáková, VŠCHT Praha</li></ul><h5>10:50 – 11:20 Analýza organických polutantů pomocí LC-MS v pitných a balených vodách</h5><ul><li>Václav Šístek, ALS Czech Republic</li></ul><h5>11:20 – 11:40 Kontaminanty v potravinách dle NAŘÍZENÍ KOMISE (EU) 2023/915 pohledem laboratoře VÚPS</h5><ul><li>Marek Pernica, Výzkumný ústav pivovarský a sladařský Brno</li></ul><h5>11:40 – 12:00 Kontrola jakosti medu</h5><ul><li>Klára Bartáková, Veterinární univerzita Brno</li></ul><h5>12:00 – 12:45 Přestávka na občerstvení a diskusi</h5><h5>12:45 – 13:05 Výzvy a troubleshooting v LC–MS/MS a přípravě vzorků tučných potravin pro stopovou analýzu obalových kontaminantů</h5><ul><li>Adam Vavrouš, Státní zdravotní ústav</li></ul><h5>13:05 – 13:25 Od legislativních požadavků k laboratorní praxi: LC-MS/MS jako nástroj kontroly krmiv</h5><ul><li>Libor Jaša, ÚKZÚZ Brno</li></ul><h5>13:25 – 13:45 Aplikace NMR metabolomiky v hodnocení kvality a autenticity potravin</h5><ul><li>Jaroslav Havlík, Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze</li></ul><h5>13:45 Ukončení semináře</h5>Těšíme se na Vaši účast!

Pozvánka na Waters Seminář FOOD & Water

V týdnu od 11. května na Vás čekají v oblasti atomové a molekulové spektroskopie a spektrometrie následující webináře.<blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.icpms.cz/webinars">👉 DETAILY A REGISTRACE V SEKCI WEBINÁŘE</a></h4>👉 Vyhledávejte a filtrujte v největší globální databázi s více než 5 500 GC, HPLC, MS a spektroskopickými webináři.</blockquote><h5>1. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Uncovering Microplastics: Identification, Quantification, and Exposure Assessment</h5><ul><li>Út, 12.5.2026 08:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.cz/webinar/6136">Registrace</a></li></ul>Komplexní analytická řešení pro identifikaci, kvantifikaci a hodnocení expozice mikroplastům pomocí doplňkových technik.<h5>2. SPECTRO Analytical Instruments: Elemental Analysis of Superalloys: Ensuring Performance in Extreme Applications</h5><ul><li>Út, 12.5.2026 10:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.cz/webinar/6170">Registrace</a></li></ul>Zjistěte, jak OES a XRF podporují přesnou elementární analýzu superslitin pro kontrolu kvality v náročných průmyslových aplikacích.<h5>3. Agilent Technologies: What have you been smoking? Elemental Analysis in Cannabis and Cannabis Products with ICP-MS</h5><ul><li>Út, 12.5.2026 20:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.cz/webinar/6063">Registrace</a></li></ul>ICP-MS workflow pro elementární analýzu konopí a konopných produktů s automatizovanou kalibrací a ředěním vzorků.<h5>4. AZoM: Faster REE Exploration Decisions with XRF Technology Explained</h5><ul><li>St, 13.5.2026 16:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.cz/webinar/6195">Registrace</a></li></ul>Výhody ruční XRF technologie pro rychlé rozhodování při průzkumu prvků vzácných zemin (REE).<h5>5. Bruker: Advancing Industrial Metrology Automation with Bruker's Dimension AFMs</h5><ul><li>St, 13.5.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.cz/webinar/6172">Registrace</a></li></ul>Jak platformy Dimension AFM podporují automatizaci průmyslové metrologie – od skriptovaných měření po řízení založené na datech.<h5>6. Anton Paar: Polymer Rheology: Impact of Humidity on Material Behavior</h5><ul><li>St, 13.5.2026 18:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.cz/webinar/5801">Registrace</a></li></ul>Praktické studie vlivu vlhkosti na reologii polymerů, lepivost, vytvrzování a tokové vlastnosti materiálů.<h5>7. LECO: TOC Determination in Soil and Waste</h5><ul><li>Čt, 14.5.2026 14:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.cz/webinar/6038">Registrace</a></li></ul>Moderní přístupy ke stanovení TOC v půdách a odpadech pro environmentální a průmyslové aplikace.

Webináře LabRulezICPMS týden 20/2026

Webináře

Potraviny

Vody

Popularizace

Video

Článek

Nejbližší akce

Vše ze světa analytické chemie na jednom místě. Propojujeme lidi při řešení jejich problémů. U nás naleznete všechny potřebné informace snadno, rychle a přehledně. Přestaňte hledat a začněte nacházet.

LabRulez

Ústav pro nanomateriály, pokročilé technologie a inovace Technické univerzity v Liberci, známý také jako CXI TUL, byl založen v roce 2009. Naším posláním je podporovat dlouhodobou vizi TUL v oblasti spolupráce s průmyslem a vytváření inovací.

CXI TUL

Firmu Waters založil v roce 1958 pan James Waters. Od té doby se společnost Waters specializuje na kapalinovou chromatografii a hmotnostní spektrometrii. Divize TA Instruments působí na poli termální analýzy. V České republice je Waters zastoupen přímou pobočkou, která sídlí v Praze.

Waters Gesellschaft

New Food magazine

ALS Czech Republic

Agilent Technologies

Shimadzu Corporation

This series will go through the Fundamentals of Atomic Spectrometry, with a focus on Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yan Cheung, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.) Yan received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Indiana University Bloomington. She joined Agilent Technologies as an Application Scientist in the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team in April 2020. Yan has extensive experience in operating and method development in ICP-MS. Yan also has years of experience working in the oil and gas industry.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry: ICP-MS

Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry: ICP-MS

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Learning Objectives for this Course:
<ul>
<li>Describe what Atomic Spectroscopy is and why it is important.
</li>
<li>Describe what Mass Spectrometry is and why it is important.
</li>
<li>Know all the various instruments that are used in Atomic Spectroscopy and the fundamental way how they work.
</li>
<li>Know all the various instruments that are used in Mass Spectrometry and the fundamental way how they work.
</li>
<li>Understand the industries that use these analytical techniques and how they use them.
</li>
<li>Know all the various instruments that are used in Mass Spectrometry and the fundamental way how they work.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: L. Craig Jones (ICP-MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Craig has been with Agilent for over 15 years as an ICP-MS applications scientist. He has been involved with multiple type of applications for ICP-MS, including environmental, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, geologic, and clinical analyses, to name a few. Previous to Agilent he worked in an environmental lab performing analysis and supervising both the inorganic and organic sections of the laboratory. In his spare time, Craig enjoys volunteering at the local marine science center, mountain biking, hiking, and relaxing at the beach. Craig obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry with the ICP-MS/MS

Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry with the ICP-MS/MS

What are Atonomic Spectroscopy and Mass Spectroscopy and why are they important.

This is a three-week workshop series on environmental applications with Agilent ICPMS systems.
Week 1: we will start the workshop with basic theories of ICPMS, typical workflow of the most common EPA methods, as well as a discussion in sample preparations.
<blockquote>
Presenter: L. Craig Jones (ICP-MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Craig has been with Agilent for over 15 years as an ICP-MS applications scientist. He has been involved with multiple type of applications for ICP-MS, including environmental, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, geologic, and clinical analyses, to name a few. Previous to Agilent he worked in an environmental lab performing analysis and supervising both the inorganic and organic sections of the laboratory. In his spare time, Craig enjoys volunteering at the local marine science center, mountain biking, hiking, and relaxing at the beach. Craig obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yan Cheung (PhDApplication Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Yan received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Indiana University Bloomington. She joined Agilent Technologies as an Application Scientist in the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team in April 2020. Yan has extensive experience in operating and method development in ICP-MS. Yan also has years of experience working in the oil and gas industry.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Getting excellent results without the complexity! Introduction to EPA 200.8, EPA 6020 methods workflow in ICP-MS

Getting excellent results without the complexity! Introduction to EPA 200.8, EPA 6020 methods workflow in ICP-MS

Environmental applications with Agilent ICPMS systems. Basic theories of ICPMS, typical workflow of the most common EPA methods.

EPA 200.8, EPA 6020 methods workflow in ICP-MS

This is a three-week workshop series on environmental applications with Agilent ICPMS systems.
Week 2: will be focused on Agilent ICPMS software and hardware demos. We will show you the ins and outs of the instrument, a typical environmental analysis work flow, as well as tips and tricks on preventative maintenances.
<blockquote>
Presenter: L. Craig Jones (ICP-MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Craig has been with Agilent for over 15 years as an ICP-MS applications scientist. He has been involved with multiple type of applications for ICP-MS, including environmental, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, geologic, and clinical analyses, to name a few. Previous to Agilent he worked in an environmental lab performing analysis and supervising both the inorganic and organic sections of the laboratory. In his spare time, Craig enjoys volunteering at the local marine science center, mountain biking, hiking, and relaxing at the beach. Craig obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yan Cheung (PhDApplication Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Yan received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Indiana University Bloomington. She joined Agilent Technologies as an Application Scientist in the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team in April 2020. Yan has extensive experience in operating and method development in ICP-MS. Yan also has years of experience working in the oil and gas industry.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: See it to believe it! Bring it All Together, an ICP-MS software and hardware live demo

See it to believe it! Bring it All Together, an ICP-MS software and hardware live demo

Environmental applications with Agilent ICPMS systems. Agilent ICPMS software and hardware demos.

Agilent ICPMS software and hardware demos

Techniques and tools for improve wash out of “sticky” elements, such as B, Tl, and Hg, on an Agilent ICP-MS will be discussed. An understanding where the individual elements stick in the instrument aids in the chemistry and the sequence of rinse solutions used for their removal.
Use of the Pre-emptive rinse and Intelligent Rinse features within the MassHunter software greatly improve washout of these sticky elements. Features and setup of an Integrated Sample Introduction System (ISIS) also reduce carry over of these elements. Eliminating contamination increases the probability that accurate sample results can be obtained. Sources of common lab contaminants and methods used for their elimination will also be discussed. A semi-Cool plasma technique may be discussed to demonstrate how to calibrate and obtain somewhat lower levels of alkali metals in the presence of their interferences.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jason Wintrode (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jason has been with Agilent since 2016 and worked as a Field Service Engineer until taking the role of an ICP-MS applications scientist in the fall of 2018. He has focused on ICP-MS for environmental, applications. Previous to Agilent He worked in an environmental lab performing analysis using ICPMS, ICP-OES, and Hg instrumentation for 15 years. Jason obtained a master’s of science degree in chemistry from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Minimize Carry Over and Contamination on Your Agilent ICP-MS

Minimize Carry Over and Contamination on Your Agilent ICP-MS

Techniques and tools for improve wash out of “sticky” elements, such as B, Tl, and Hg, on an Agilent ICP-MS will be discussed.

Two years have passed since we hosted our first microplastics symposium.
Since then, the microplastic landscape has witnessed significant developments—the impending release of the first ISO standard and ongoing advancements in SOPs. We are pleased that we can bring you together with experts in our field.
This digital conference aims to explore various crucial topics related to the analysis of microplastics, covering areas such as sampling, sample preparation, analysis, and evaluation.
<h3>Highlights – Why you should attend</h3>
<h5>Stay updated on microplastic analysis</h5>
Gain insight into the latest advancements and challenges in microplastic analysis. This seminar covers essential aspects such as sampling, sample preparation, and analysis techniques like spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and chromatography (pyr/TED-GC/MS). 
<h5>Explore diverse applications</h5>
Discover the wide range of applications beyond microplastic analysis that can be addressed with a QCL-based IR imaging system like the LDIR 8700. Get an overview of its potential in areas such as materials, bio, and pharmaceuticals.
<h5>Take part in a live demo</h5>
Witness a live demonstration of an automatic microplastic analysis workflow. Experience firsthand how these techniques and technologies come together to address real-world challenges. Engage with Agilent experts who will answer any questions you may have.
<h5>Showcase your expertise</h5>
Actively participate by presenting your work and contributions in techniques like TED-GC/MS, pyr-GC/MS, and ICP-MS, which are crucial for microplastic analysis. Alternatively, highlight your knowledge of the versatile LDIR 8700 system, showcasing its applications in pharmaceuticals, material analysis, or bio sectors.
<h3>Agenda</h3>
<h5>09:00 Welcome Introduction &amp; Video of Geoff Winkett , Agilent Technologies</h5>
<h5>9:10 The World of Microplastics Up to Date an Overview</h5>
<ul>
<li>Andreas Kerstan (Agilent Technologies)</li>
</ul>
<h5>09:30 Hot news on Agilent LDIR, new developments, and future perspective</h5>
<ul>
<li>Wesam Alwan , Darren Robey (Agilent Technologies)</li>
</ul>
<h5>09:50 Release of Plastic Additives and Microplastic Particles from Different Consumer Products into Water under Accelerated UV Weathering Conditions</h5>
<ul>
<li>Lars Hildebrandt (Scientist, Helmholtz Zentrum Hereon)</li>
</ul>
Photodegradation of plastic products is known to accelerate weathering and the resulting release of chemical additives and particles to the environment, however these processes are complex. Here, eight different plastic consumer products were leached in double distilled water under exposure to strong ultraviolet (UV) light for ten days, and the chemical composition of the leachates was compared to their respective dark controls. The leachates and plastic particles were investigated with a wide battery of chemical analytical tools to broadly characterize the underlying processes and possible hazards. These covered (a) metal(loid) analysis, (b) microplastic analysis, (c) analysis of &gt;70 organic target analytes and (d) nontargeted screening of the extracts.
<h5>10:10 Identification of Polymers Using Machine Learning</h5>
<ul>
<li>Xin Tian (Scientific Researcher, KWR NL)</li>
</ul>
Microplastics and other polymers are found in the environment. For this reason, it is important to have reliable methods to identify them. Methods used to detect nano- and microplastics in the environment include Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, laser-directed infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/pyrolysis. These measurement techniques can provide a lot of information, but sometimes require a database with a lot of high-quality data to compare measurement results. Machine learning (especially classification models) can help improve data processing and accuracy.
Recent research has looked at how machine learning can help improve the accuracy of identification with infrared spectroscopy. Different computer models were tested and examined to see if the accuracy increases and if it does not require an unreasonable amount of computing power and time. This research focused on finding an effective method for identifying polymers in the environment based on their mid-infrared spectroscopic signals.
Polymers are identified by infrared spectroscopy by comparing their spectra with spectra in a database/library. This works well for new polymers, which are clean and barely degraded. Since polymers from the environment are actually degraded, comparing their infrared spectra with spectra in the library is difficult. This is because the spectra in the library often have large deviations from the spectra of the measured polymers. Increasing the number of spectra in the library is not possible because the number of spectra of environmentally degraded polymers is almost infinite. The study therefore looked at whether the problem of small data sets can be addressed using machine learning. The research presents a data enrichment technique to generate spectra of degraded polymers from single spectra of a limited number of samples. Four models were tested using these spectra to identify polymers. The study shows that all the models achieve high success rates, thereby facilitating the identification of polymers from environmental samples. Moreover, the research shows that it is not necessarily the most advanced computer model (particularly deep neural network models) that yields the best results.
<h5>10:30 From the River to the Sea: Microplastics in Sediments of the Thames River</h5>
<ul>
<li>Friederike Strock (Postdoc, German Federal Institute of Hydrology)</li>
</ul>
Microplastics have been investigated for over 45 years especially in the marine environment, but only in the past years research has started to focus on freshwater environments. In the frame of the H2020 LABPLAS project, sediments along the course of the Thames river in its freshwater and estuarune part were studied in order to better understand the sources, transport, distribution and impacts of plastic pollution and to detect the amount of plastics transport via the rivers into the sea.
In the frame of the project, a winter and a summer campaign were conducted 2022 and samples taken from 6 sites within the study area. Sediment samples were taken with a Van Veen grabber from the edge of the river, wet sieved into different compartments (10 100 µm, 100 1000 µm, &gt;1000 µm), density separated and the organic matter digested. The plastics from the sediments were characterized with a Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR). The preliminary results reveal that microplastics are present in all samples. The amount of particles varies significantly between the sampling sites showing the importance of industrial emissions and cities.
<h5>10:50 Good Laboratory Practices to Characterize Microplastics Using Quantum-Cascade Laser Reflectance Absorbance Spectrometry</h5>
<ul>
<li>Jose Manuel Andrade Garda (Professor Analytical Chemistry, University of A Corunna)</li>
</ul>
The nowadays broad societal interest in microplastic pollution demands urgent responses and actions. For these be possible politicians must set rules which, in turn, are not possible at all without sound scientific data. Unfortunately, there is a general feeling that the experimental results obtained so far are not still fully comparable and, further, that the monitoring field where hundreds or samples are taken is not being fully considered. Scientific studies and future regulations depend critically on a reliable identification of the polymers (if any) that constitute the suspicious particles under study. Out of the various analytical techniques to characterize them a novel one based on reflectance-absorbance spectrometry, commercialized as LDIR, outstands. It uses a tuneablemid-IR quantum cascade laser (QCL) to imaging a reflective microscopy slide or a metal-coated filter in a remarkable small timeframe. This communication is meant to present best practice guides to overcome some obstacles/difficulties in routine measurements, and open a path for field monitoring; among them: the adequacy of the spectral range, the variation of the peak&#39;s intensities with the size of the particles; the speed of the analysis as a function of the instrumental setup; the criterion to identify unknown spectra (a tiered approach is finally suggested); and how to differentiate fibers and fragments semiautomatically. Also, an empirical dependence of the depth of penetration of the QCL laser in common plastic particles is approached first time.
<h5>11:10 Chemical Characterization of Microplastics using Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS)</h5>
<ul>
<li>Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo (Pull Professor of Analytical Chemistry, University of A Corunna)</li>
</ul>
The implementation of monitoring programs for Microplastics requires reliable and standardisedmethods. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy techniques are the most commonly used for Microplastics analysis. However, thermal analytical techniques are currently gaining popularity. This presentation focuses on the potential of mass-based thermal analytical techniques, in particular, Pyrolysis coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), for the accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics in environmental matrices. It outlines some advantages and good laboratory practices of this approach, the importance of method normalisation, and how it can provide detailed information on polymers and plastic additives.
<h5>11:20 Analysis of Fibrous Microplastics Using Laser Direct Infrared Imaging</h5>
<ul>
<li>Monique Greiner (Research Associate, Hohenstein Laboratories)</li>
</ul>
In the research field of microplastics the identification of their source is important in order to develop strategies to minimize the pollution. A major percentage of microplastics originates from textiles. One pathway into the environment are washing procedures because the textiles release fibers during the process. Therefore our aim was to find a fast and easy way to identify fibers. In our presentation we want to give insights in our approach to the analysis of fibrous microplastics with the LDIR 8700. We will talk about our strategies, the results we achieved and difficulties we faced.
<h5>11:40 Looking beyond the Polymer: Using Thermal Desorption GC MS to expand our understanding of Microplastics</h5>
<ul>
<li>Jan Peter Mayser (Market Specialist, Markes International)</li>
</ul>
Detecting and analysingmicroplastics in the environment is challenging. The method must be able to detect and distinguish between a large variety of polymers. Additives, such as hardeners, flame retardants and preservatives, used during the manufacturing process and other compounds, that can adhere to the surfaces of microplastics from their environment, can affect their toxicity assessment. These additives could be used to link the microplastics found in the environment to their original use or potentially even back to the manufacturer.
In this study, various salts were sampled and filtered and analyzed for their microplastic content. TD–GC–MS was used to identify and measure which concentration of the plastic PS, PET, PVC and Nylon 6 had been incorporated into the crystalline structure of the salt during evaporation. By using direct desorption and backflushing technology, a large sample size could be easily isolated from the lab environment during analysis while ensuring a large range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including the marker compounds for four polymers could be trapped and analyzed.
The VOC-profile of the microplastics not only gave information about the polymer and its concentration within the sample, but further information about the toxicity could be extracted. This enabled the determination and tentative identification of additional compounds in the samples, such as dimethyl ether, acrolein and cyclopentane. These are used in the process of manufacturing plastics, so could assist with identifying the source of the plastics. For the four analysed polymers distinct marker compounds could be identified and calibration curves determined for each polymer. In all of the real-world salt samples microplastics were identified, highlighting the ubiquitous nature of the microplastic contamination.
This further information about the origin of the polymer, as well as the origin of the microplastic particles can be gathered by investigating the full VOC-profile obtained by TD-GC-MS. This allows both additional polymer information and particle source characterization.
<h5>12:00 Tiny Problems</h5>
<ul>
<li>Roxana Sühring (Assistant Professor in Analytical Environmental Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University)</li>
</ul>
Microplastics have been on the front page of newspapers, a dominant topic for environmental research (and funding), and a recent focus for regulatory action across the globe. Their potential impacts have been classed as a planetary boundary threat and new studies are published daily, reporting microplastics virtually anywhere on the planet. But despite numerous publications, there are still a lot of open questions on how to effectively and reproducibly characterize microplastics. How can microplastic characterization be automized? What is the impact of additives or weathering on the characterization accuracy?
In this presentation I will provide an overview and the first results of a research collaboration between Agilent technologies and the Emerging contaminants lab at Toronto Metropolitan University that works on addressing some of these questions. Our research aims to create a versatile microplastic library using weathered and new plastics commonly found in the environment. This library will additionally be used as a training set for developing automated particle characterization for the LDIR.
<h5>12:20 Identification of Microplastic Particles in Soil Using LDIR</h5>
<ul>
<li>Martine Graf, PhD (Student &amp; Senior Technician, Bangor University)</li>
</ul>
The use of agricultural plastic has become increasingly concerning in an environmental setting in recent years; in Europe alone, an estimated 2.5 million tones of plastic mulch films are used each year. The use of mulch films for crop production has been promoted by governments worldwide due to its many benefits, however the removal of these films from the soil can be difficult due to their poor mechanical strength and fragmentation, and barriers such as poor incentives for farmers and underdeveloped infrastructure for collection and disposal. The latter often leading to the films being discarded or incinerated along field margins, or ploughed back into the fields, leading to an accumulation of plastic legacy in soil. To evaluate the microplastic pollution levels in agricultural soils, we are i ) conducting a global soil survey in all partner countries; ii) assessing the degradation and fragmentation of conventional and biodegradable plastic mulch films in soil, and measuring the resulting microplastic production rate; and iii) measure the degradation and movement of microplastic in soil after repeated application. Microplastics are extracted from soil using targeted methods for different polymer types, and analysed using fluorescent microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and LDIR spectroscopy.
<h5>12:40 Wrap up and open discussion</h5>

Agilent Technologies: Agilent Microplastics Virtual Symposium 2023

Agilent Microplastics Virtual Symposium 2023

Explore various crucial topics related to the analysis of microplastics, covering areas such as sampling, sample preparation, analysis, and evaluation.

Introducing Shimadzu’s Multimodal Imaging System, designed to provide advanced clinical imaging and accelerate research breakthroughs. The powerful system consists of two instruments: the Laser-ablation ICP-MS, which acquires information on the element distribution, and the award-winning iMScope QT MALDI-MS Microscope, which provide information on the compound distribution. The data from both instruments can be seamlessly analyzed using the intuitive IMAGEREVEAL MS software without the need for special data conversion. This integrated data analysis unlocks unparalleled insights into the spatial distribution of elements and biomolecules within tissues and cells, thereby opening up new avenues for diagnostics, biomarker discovery, and drug development.
Join us at our Shimadzu Digital Classrooms as we delve into the world of Multimodal Imaging by exploring real-world application case studies. Experience firsthand how this cutting-edge technology, together with integrated data analysis, provides profound insights quickly and accurately to advance clinical research.
Don&#39;t miss this opportunity to discover the capabilities of Shimadzu&#39;s multimodal imaging system - Register now!
<h3>Learning Objectives:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Discover capabilities of Shimadzu&#39;s Multimodal Imaging System, integrating LA-ICPMS and MALDI-MS Microscopy</li>
<li>Gain comprehensive insights into Shimadzu&#39;s complete solution for LA-ICP-MS</li>
<li>Learn about Shimadzu iMScope QT, a Next-Generation Mass Spectrometry Imaging system</li>
<li>Explore real-world clinical application case studies leveraging the Multimodal Imaging approach</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Pravin Konde, PhD (Senior Product Specialist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Pravin Konde is a Senior Product Specialist (for Spectroscopy &amp; TOC) at Shimadzu Asia Pacific Singapore. He has about 15 years of industry experience of which about 12 years in analytical instruments with expertise in trace element analysis and spectroscopy applications. He is engaged primarily in technical support to regional sales teams and customers. Prior to joining industry, he has done his PhD in Chemistry from Institute of Chemical Technology (formerly UDCT), Mumbai, India.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Naatasha Isahak, PhD (Product Specialist (Life Sciences), Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Naatasha Isahak is a Product Specialist for MALDI and Life Sciences Products from Shimadzu Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. She has received her PhD from the University of Sydney (Chemistry) working on surface initiated polymerisation on silica nanoparticles using RAFT polymerisation and bioorthogonal conjugation of peptides using Native Chemical Ligation. She then spent 5 years working on developing platforms for stem cells and organoids characterization that included working with microfluidic devices and helical polymers. Naatasha joined Shimadzu in 2022 to expand her experiences to MALDI characterization on materials and biological samples.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Powerful Multimodal Clinical Imaging System with LA-ICP-MS and MALDI-MS Microscopy

Powerful Multimodal Clinical Imaging System with LA-ICP-MS and MALDI-MS Microscopy

LA-ICP-MS, which acquires information on the element distribution & iMScope QT MALDI-MS Microscope, which provide information on the compound distribution.

Clinical Imaging with LA-ICP-MS and MALDI-MS Microscopy

Připojte se k nám do čtyř krátkých, zhruba 30 minutových bezplatných online webinářů na téma „Kosmetické produkty a jejich uvedení na trh “, kde Vás provedeme základními a praktickými informacemi k tématu kosmetických produktů, jejich uvedení trh, přípravou etikety a ověření zdravotní nezávadnosti.
Zajímá Vás problematika kosmetických výrobků? Jaké jsou základní principy uvedení na trh, co se musí objevit na etiketě nebo co je potřeba k ověření zdravotní nezávadnosti? 
To a mnoho dalších praktických informací se dozvíte právě zde.
Těšíme se na Vás.
ALS Team
<blockquote>
Přednášející: Mgr. Kristýna Kovářová (Supervizorka sekce kovů a farmaceutických analýzALS Czech Republic, s.r.o.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mgr. Kristýna Kovářová vystudovala na Přírodovědecké fakultě Univerzity Karlovy obor Klinická a toxikologická analýza. V laboratořích ALS Czech Republic, Praha pracuje od ledna 2018.
</blockquote>

ALS Czech Republic: Stanovení těžkých kovů a parabenů v kosmetických produktech

Stanovení těžkých kovů a parabenů v kosmetických produktech

Co je potřeba k ověření zdravotní nezávadnosti z pohledu stanovení těžkých kovů a parabenů v kosmetických produktech?

Join us for a webinar that delves into the crucial aspects of plant-based foods – their nutritional composition, safety, and the innovative technology that enables accurate analysis. As the demand for plant-based foods continues to surge, ensuring their nutritional excellence and safety is paramount.
In this webinar, we will explore the world of plant-based foods and the challenges associated with their analysis of nutritional content for safety. From addressing rising concerns about animal cruelty to promoting environmental sustainability and enhanced health benefits, the momentum behind plant-based diets is undeniable. However, with these benefits come responsibilities to accurately assess nutritional and toxic elements to meet regulatory standards.
Our expert panel will guide you through the application of ICP-MS for plant-based foods. Uncover the NexION 2200 ICP-MS system, a cutting-edge technology designed to analyse a wide range of elemental concentrations, from parts per million (ppm) to parts per trillion (ppt) levels.
<ul>
<li>Understand the challenges surrounding accurate nutritional labelling and safety assessment in the plant-based food industry.
</li>
<li>Discover how ICP-MS plays a pivotal role in monitoring nutritional and toxic elements in plant-based raw materials and finished products.
</li>
<li>Learn about the latest advancements in elemental analysis technology and its applications in ensuring compliance with quality control criteria and regulatory standards.
</li>
</ul>
Uncover the benefits of the NexION 2200, the latest ICP-MS analysis technology on the market
<blockquote>
Presenter: Liyan Xing (Senior Application Scientist, PerkinElmer)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Liyan Xing is a Senior Application Scientist for ICP-MS at PerkinElmer with experience in elemental and isotope analysis using ICP-MS/MC-ICP-MS and/or hyphenated technologies, such as HPLC, GC, and laser ablation. She holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry and an MSc in Organic Chemistry specializing in the synthesis and characterisation of supramolecules. She has done post-doc research on the catalytic mechanisms in hydrogen fuel cells. Liyan is a national committee member of CSASS and the editor of the Newsletter since 2019. She has published research on speciation analysis using HPLC-ICP-MS, isotope analysis using MC-ICP-MS/LA-ICP-MS, the oxide formation mechanisms in ICP-MS, Pt catalytic mechanisms in hydrogen fuel cells, and template synthesis of supramolecules and helices.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Aaron Hineman (Inorganic Product Line Leader, PerkinElmer)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Aaron Hineman is currently the Inorganic Product Line Leader for the Americas. Prior to this position, he was a Senior Field Application Scientist with PerkinElmer. Aaron has a strong background in inorganic analytical chemistry including demonstrated hands-on expertise in state-of-the-art ICP-MS and ICP-OES instrumentation, hyphenated speciation using chromatography coupled to ICP-MS, working in 21 CFR Part 11 compliant laboratories for elemental impurity analysis, and various microwave, acid and fusion sample preparation techniques. Prior to joining PerkinElmer, he spent 10 years in environmental and geochemical laboratories developing analytical methodology and laboratory systems. His interests outside of work include snowboarding/skiing, obstacle races, biking, and running.
</blockquote>

New Food: Plant-Based Food Revolution: leveraging ICP-MS for quality assurance and nutritional insights

Plant-Based Food Revolution: leveraging ICP-MS for quality assurance and nutritional insights

The world of plant-based foods and the challenges associated with their analysis of nutritional content for safety.

Plant-Based Food Revolution: leveraging ICP-MS

This is a three-week workshop series on environmental applications with Agilent ICPMS systems.
Week 3: we will deep dive in some advanced, uncommon, and unique applications, and show you additional tips and tricks on obtaining excellent analytical results in difficult matrices.
<blockquote>
Presenter: L. Craig Jones (ICP-MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Craig has been with Agilent for over 15 years as an ICP-MS applications scientist. He has been involved with multiple type of applications for ICP-MS, including environmental, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, geologic, and clinical analyses, to name a few. Previous to Agilent he worked in an environmental lab performing analysis and supervising both the inorganic and organic sections of the laboratory. In his spare time, Craig enjoys volunteering at the local marine science center, mountain biking, hiking, and relaxing at the beach. Craig obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yan Cheung (PhDApplication Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Yan received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Indiana University Bloomington. She joined Agilent Technologies as an Application Scientist in the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team in April 2020. Yan has extensive experience in operating and method development in ICP-MS. Yan also has years of experience working in the oil and gas industry.
</blockquote>

Let’s take a deep dive! Advanced environmental ICP-MS applications and tips and tricks on getting excellent analytical results.

Environmental applications with Agilent ICPMS systems. We will deep dive in some advanced, uncommon, and unique applications.

ICPMS webináře se zaměřením na ICP/MS - strana 14